Species Profile: Bedotia madagascariensis

Common Name:   Malagasy Rainbowfish

Description:   The type species of Bedotiidae, often confused with the closely related B. geayi, as well as B. leucopteron and B. longianalis, which occur immediately south and north of its range respectively. Adult males differ from B. geayi by a mid-lateral stripe extending into the caudal fin as a distinct dark spot. Nearly all aquarium specimens are farm-bred in Indonesia. A peaceful, shoaling species best kept in groups of 8–10 or more, and an excellent dither fish for Malagasy cichlids such as Paretroplus menarambo and Ptychochromis oligoacanthus. Do not keep with other Bedotia species due to the risk of hybridisation.

Category:   Rainbowfish

Global Region:   Africa

Distribution:   Lower Ivoloina River south to Manambolo Creek, along the Canal des Pangalanes; also translocated and now established in the Betsiboka basin near Mahitsy

CARES Classification:   Endangered